Search for person of interest in hotel killing

New Port Richey police are looking for a person of interest after a man was shot and killed at a hotel Saturday morning.

Police received a call about shots fired at the Magnuson Hotel on Route 19 at a little after 7:30 a.m. When officers arrived, they found the body of Jerrell Billy Tomlin, 26, on the second floor balcony.

"The investigation is ongoing. We haven't determined why it happened and we are currently following up on some  leads," Lt. Steve Kostas said.

A manager at the hotel told FOX 13 the victim had just checked in roughly 30 minutes before he was killed. Occupants of nearby rooms heard the gunshots.

"We were sleeping in our room and we just heard a boom, boom, boom, boom, boom," said Peggy Morris, who was staying a few rooms away. "We heard somebody screaming, 'somebody call 911!'"

Morris said she looked out of her room and saw a black SUV speeding away.

Police are looking for Jerrell Rayshawn Marcus, 23. He's been identified as a person of interest. Police said Marcus should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding Marcus or the shooting should contact the New Port Richey Police Department.